As a fan of science fiction, I feel that it is almost a responsibility to pass this love of the genre on to my children. In the olden days parents would pass their occupation, land, and belongings on to their children, but in the modern world this does not happen as much. Kids are as likely to sell anything from their parents, as they are to keep it.
This passing of the torch starts out as a form of bonding. As a father, I see time in front of the TV as bonding time with my child. Most women would argue that you can not possibly bond by watching TV. To argue my point, I invite any women to sit in on a conversation between a bunch of guys. I bet that the conversation is riddled with references to movies and TV shows that all of them have seen, and this is when the discussion is not on those movies/shows specifically. Common viewing habits create an all new lexicon that is almost indecipherable to an outside listener. This lexicon unique to father/child, simulates the almost intuitive language that a mother shares with her child.
Tradition is another huge reason. Transformers, Voltron, and He-Man shaped my childhood. I feel that these shows were integral in my becoming who I am today. Because of this, I want my children to experience them as well, if for no other reason than to gain some insight on their father. I feel that The Gremlins and The Never Ending Story are great movies that everyone should watch, especially my own children. What child should not revel in the realm of imagination that was the original Star Wars movies? It is fulfilling on some level when my child enjoys the movies that I have picked out for her to watch with me. It feels good knowing that my child is like me in some way.
There is a line that needs to be drawn. For example, I cannot show my six year old the movie Aliens because it is too scary. This line is not black and white, but a whole lot of grey. I know how old I was when I saw certain movies, but was that the right age for all kids? How much violence is too much? If I show my children this now, will they fully appreciate the subtle nuances. The Matrix was a great movie, but will it entertain a child that does not understand the story? These are the questions that haunt me as a father. Of course, every child is different and you will know when the time is right.
My biggest fear is that my children will grow away from science fiction and will rebel against me and shun the genre as teenagers. My children are both girls, and I am not sure that it will ever be cool to be a science fiction fan if you are a girl, especially a teenage girl. The love of science fiction could be crippling to their social life, which in itself is not all that bad. Maybe, growing up sci-fi will give them an understanding of the people that enjoy such things and see them for who they really are. It almost seems that I am doing a social experiment of sorts on my daughters. What will science fiction do to their lives?
It is natural for a parent to want his/her child to be like them. It makes me feel good when my daughters ask me, "did you do/watch this when you were a kid." My yes is a seal of approval, and my daughters cannot wait to try/watch. When she and her sister get older, I will expose them to more. The bookshelf is growing with young adult science fiction books. I already read Where the Wild Things Are as a bedtime story. I long for the day when one of my daughters picks one of my favorite books off the shelf, reads it, and wants to discuss it with me. I am not sure what the future will bring to science fiction in the movie/TV/book world, but I do know that I will experience it with my children and that will make it perfect for me.
10 comments:
Well I can't say how your daughters will turn out, but I grew up watching Doctor Who and Star Trek with my mom, and I am a total SciFi fan today and still watching both those shows. So I say it's good to introduce a new generation.
I'd suggest banning Sci-Fi until they're 12. Give no reason. Make them work to see it (and if they do borrow a book, don't notice).
lol that was good
Is 'Voultron' a typo or did I miss a memo of some kind?
Good post, Budd. If it means anything, one of my most lasting memories as a kid is watching old B-movies on Saturday afternoons with my mom -- we both loved 'em.
I can't suggest anything except encourage their creative side and instill a joy of reading.
hey, geekiness is cool now. so maybe they will love it, too. i have the same fear that mia will not love comics and video games and sci-fi... we can only hope. heh.
AOD-yeah my mom recommended I Robot to me in middle school and had the Hobbit and LOTR box set in the family bookshelf.
Lollerkeet-That would only work if they are rebelious, and even then, I would have to watch in private.
Damien-Thanks, you don't have to worry though, odds are that at least one of yours will turn to the darkside. Lets just hope you don't have to cut off their hand first.
Zombiebite-Have I ever told you that I love your name? Yes, it should be Voltron. Sorry.
Steve- I used to watch Kung-Fu movies while visiting my dad on saturday afternoons. My kids have watched their fair share of kung-fu movies. I try and read to my kids everyday and encourage their natural curiosity by answering questions and reading about things they like.
grrrace- Geekiness is cool because we are reaching our 30's (oh September, why do you hate me so?), I think in high school being a geek is still kind of geeky, but I am completely out of touch with the youth of today.
oh.... damn. i guess you're right. i am also out of touch with the youth of today, i guess. heh.
"These are the questions that haunt me as a father. "This is brilliant.
I have the exact same feelings about my son. He is too young now (1 year), but I am already "preparing" to instill my geekyness to him (comics, sci-fi, movies, TV etc...). At the same time I also wonder if he'll have problems socializing as a geek. I alway had a geek in me, but I only became a full-blown geek as a young adult, so I don't really know what it is like being a geek teenager. Also, with their modern sensibilities, I wonder if kids today will stand watching an old sci-fi movie or TV show. They might think it's too cheesy or slow. That's my fear. I just hope I can talk to my son like I can communicate with you guys online. I really don't have any real world friend that is as geeky as me...
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